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 Enjoying
mild weather for most of the year, this historic subtropical
capital city, 1,900 meters above sea level, is skirted by
mountains to the north, east and west, and Dianchi lake in
the south.
Kunming is a Jewel of the Mekong - click
here - for a feature on Kunming.
 Bamboo
Temple - Rebuilt after a fire in the 15th century, this
Tang dynasty temple has been renovated several times since.
It is best known for its 500 life-size surrealistic clay figures,
including Buddha images in various positions, and all kinds
of animals, built at the end of 19th century by the Chinese
sculptor Li Guangxiu and his students.
Cuiho
Park - Performances of Chinese operas and people watching
make this park, near Yuantong Temple, a pleasant place to
spend some time.
Golden
Temple - Built during the Ming Dynasty, this Taoist temple
is thought to contain 200 tons of pure copper in its roofs,
pillars, doors, windows, altars and statues, held upon a white
marble base. Located in a pine forest on Phoenix Song Mountain
in Kunming's northern suburbs, it became the residence of
a Chinese general in the 17th century.
Jindian
(Golden Temple) Park - This national forest reserve, 7km
northeast of Kunming, is home to the 6.7 metres high, 7.8
metres wide Golden Temple, cast from 250 tons of solid bronze.
Lake
Dian - Covering 300 square km and extending 40 km from
north to south, the lake is dotted with sail boats and has
many scenic spots and picnic sites along its shores. It is
best viewed from Kumning's Western Hills Forest Reserve.
Stone
Forest - This rare geological phenomenon, 86km from Kunming,
was formed many millions of years ago by movements of the
earth's crust. This bizarre forest of limestone pillars, some
over 30 metres in height, spreads over an area of some 300
square km, but only 1.2 square km have been developed with
ponds, pavilions, and small bridges for visitors.
Western
Hills Forest Reserve - Richly endowed with trees and vegetation,
this natural reserve is located on the west bank of Lake Dian
and comprises the Huating, Taihua and Luohan mountains, averaging
2,500 meters above sea level. A chair lift up into the mountains
affords spectacular views of the lake and surrounding areas.
Yuantong
Temple - Although thought to be more than 1,000 years
old, Kunming's largest Buddhist temple has undergone many
renovations. A new building contains a statue of Sakyamuni,
presented as a gift from the King of Thailand.
Yunnan
Ethnic Villages - Featuring authentic reconstructions
of village life of Yunnan's many ethnic minorities, performances
of ethnic songs and dances, and displays of waxworks, culture
and customs.
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